TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Team Taiwan departed on Tuesday (Nov. 19) morning on a chartered flight (CI104) for the Premier12 Super Round in Tokyo, Japan.

In a press conference at the airport, Tsai Chi-chang (蔡其昌), the head of Taiwan’s professional baseball association, called upon fans to make the trip to Japan to cheer on the team. He hoped Taiwan fans could transform the Tokyo Dome into a “home field.” For those unable to make the trip, Tsai encouraged them to watch the games on television, per CNA.

Taiwan and Japan advanced from the preliminary group B competition, qualifying for the Super Round, a secondary round-robin tournament of four teams.  

Tsai admitted to feeling tired from the past week of the Premier12 competition. He said the team would be full of energy after arriving in Japan.

Team Taiwan Captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) also addressed the media and fans at the airport. He said he has made good on his pledge to use 100% effort to earn a trip to Tokyo. "We really did it,” said Chen.

Chen also expressed gratitude to the team’s coaching staff. Chen reiterated his pledge to do everything within his capacity to become the pride of Taiwan.

Chen felt the full energy of fans who packed Taipei Dome for the opening games. He said he hopes fans can bring the same to Tokyo.

According to Chen, Team Taiwan has completed the first step of its mission in the Premier12 tournament. He also expressed thanks for the personal honor of being chosen as a representative of Team Taiwan.

Chen said he had watched older athletes compete on behalf of Taiwan in international competitions and now it is his turn to lead. Chen said every team member would work hard to earn glory for Taiwan.